Essendon has secured their maiden win of the season against the 2017 runners-up, Adelaide, following an emphatic 20-point comeback in the final quarter.
The Bombers' blistering pace proved too much for their opposition as they emerged victorious by 12 points; their midfield stars in Dyson Heppell and David Zaharakis simply outrunning the exhausted Crows in the last term.
It was a pacey and fiery quarter of football which kicked off the Friday night blockbuster of which the Bombers thrived off, seeing them boot an impressive 4.2 to edge out the Crows' 3.5.
Jake Stringer stamped his presence early with a spectacular pack mark, but it was the Crows who opened proceedings.
Despite the absence of Taylor Walker through injury, Adelaide had no problem slotting the first of the game courtesy of debutante Darcy Fogarty, who converted with his first kick at AFL level.
While Essendon hit back with majors to James Stewart, Tom Bellchambers and the zippy Andrew McGrath, but they too would suffer an injury of their own.
Young gun Zach Merrett received a high bump from Richard Douglas in the final minute of the quarter, and was rubbed out by medical staff at the commencement of the second term.
Douglas was reported for the incident, while Merrett watched the rest of the game from the bench,
As the aggression and speed continued to amplify throughout the second term, both sides' goal-scoring and accuracy subsequently evaporated
While the first quarter saw Adelaide dominate the inside 50 count yet fail to capitalise on the scoreboard, identical circumstances befell Essendon in the following term.
Essendon's inaccurate 1.6 from 16 inside 50s allowed the Crows back into the game - despite their equally abysmal 1.4 - leaving the margin at five points at the major change.
The Bombers' ultimately paid for their inaccuracy, with a red-hot Adelaide muscling their way in front with a seven-goal third quarter.
With the Bombers floundering in the surge of goals, the Crows refused to take their foot off the throat as their midfield's dominance and pressure - led by Matt Crouch (41 disposals) and the sweeping Rory Laird (40 disposals) - began to mount on a woeful Essendon.
An out on the full turnover from an Adam Saad kick-out and consequent Adelaide major summed up the manic Adelaide press which refused to relent for the entire term.
Despite two goals to Cale Hooker and one to Joe Daniher, the Crows managed to push themselves to a 20-point lead at three-quarter time.
Determined to fight back, Josh Green narrowed the margin with the first goal of the final quarter.
Although the Crows replied with two of their own, the stalwart Goddard provided some magic in the forward pocket, bringing the margin back to eight points.
The Bombers relished the challenge, their frenetic energy unable to be matched by the Crows.
Heppell, who starred with 35 possessions was crucial in defensive half of the ground, and helped thwart several Adelaide opportunities late.
As Green slotted another major to bring it back to two points, Hooker miraculously put the Bombers in the lead with five minutes left on the clock.
In a final incredible display from the young Essendon midfield of McGrath and Darcy Parish, Joshua Begley slotted the sealer to give the Dons a well-earned 12-point victory.
The Bombers will surge into next week hoping to make it 2-0 against the Dockers, while Adelaide will be given the opportunity to vent all their anger out against their premiership rivals in Richmond.
ESSENDON 4.2 5.8 8.10 14.15 (99)
ADELAIDE 3.5 4.9 11.12 12.15 (87)
GOALS
Essendon: Stewart 3, Hooker 3, Daniher 2, Green 2, Bellchambers, Goddard, Begley, McGrath
Adelaide: Gibbs 2, Jenkins 2, Fogarty 2, Murphy, Greenwood, McGovern, Ellis-Yolmen, Douglas, Hampton
BEST
Essendon: Heppell, Hurley, Zaharakis, McGrath
Adelaide: Gibbs, Crouch, Laird, Jenkins
INJURIES
Essendon: Merrett (concussion)
Adelaide: Hampton
TALKING POINTS
1. THE BOMBERS HAVE GOTTEN EVEN FASTER
The sheer speed of the Bombers was certainly a sight to behold throughout the entire game.
While Essendon were renowned for being an aggressive side through the use of their pace last year, it seemed as if they had gotten even faster coming into the new season.
Andrew McGrath, David Zaharakis and Devon Smith all had their motors running at full capacity tonight, and helped turn the tide following their 20-point deficit at three-quarter time.
It will be the Bombers midfield which will get them over the line this year, and if their blistering pace from tonight is anything to go by, they will have no problem running over quality oppositions.
2. THE ESSENDON FORWARD LINE WILL BE DANGEROUS IN TIME
Although Essendon's kicking in parts of the game was patchy at best, the Bombers' forward line looks set for a massive season should they get their kicking boots on.
Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker combined to kick five goals between them, while James Stewart looked extremely threatening, clunking several contested marks and slotting three goals.
While Josh Green got going late with two goals, the smalls for Essendon didn't quite fire tonight, but should they get going, opposition sides had better watch out
3. DARCY FOGARTY LOOKS PROMISING
He kicked the opening goal of the game with his first ever kick at AFL level, and the pick No. 12 in Darcy Fogarty didn't look out of place in his debut game.
While the ready-made youngster only racked up the six disposals, two goals and a commendable forward presence should earn him a spot in the Adelaide line-up going into round two.
With Taylor Walker possibly coming back into the fold soon, it will be interesting to see whether Dom Pyke gives Fogarty more time in the senior side to develop to the rigours of AFL football.
4. ADELAIDE'S LOSS WILL ONLY REV THEM UP MORE
The Crows wrestled back control in a dominant seven-goal third quarter, but failed to get the four points following Essendon's resurgent final term.
Adelaide were impressive for majority of the game, and despite stellar performances from ball-magnet Matt Crouch (41 disposals), rebounding defender Rory Laird (40 disposals) and newcomer Bryce Gibbs (35 disposals), were never able to stamp the Bombers out of their game, much to their frustration.
Despite playing exceptionally good footy in tonight's blockbuster, the Crows weren't ruthless in their approach, which was ultimately expected following their bitter Grand Final defeat.
Their loss will only add more fuel to their already raging fire, and coming up against their premiership nemeses in Richmond, will be set to explode.
5. FEAR THE BEARD
New look, but still the same dominance - skipper Dyson Heppell looks poised for a monumental 2018 as he hopes to lead his side to a September campaign.
Finishing his night with 35 touches, Heppell was integral to Essendon's win; his incredible defensive work around the contests saving the Bombers on multiple occasions.
With plenty still in the tank, watch out for Heppell to carve up the midfield, flanked by the experienced Brendon Goddard and the dynamic Andrew McGrath.
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